Commuting - Good commuter bike

Right now I am commuting to work on a mountain bike, but am in the market to upgrade to a bike I can use as a commuter bike as well as to use on some gravle trails. I have been looking at Marin Hybrids and Cannondale (namely the Adventure & Road Warrior). I prefer the Cannondale b/c they are made in the US, but the Marin seems like a damn good bike. I also want a bike where I am bit more upright so I can see the car traffic, but I did like the Road Warrio - although that seems to be more like a road bike. Anyone have any thoughts out there? Appreciate it.

Hi, Coimata. I am currently commuting on a Raleigh c700 hybrid bike. My commute includes both roads and limestone-based trails (along with a few sections of rather large gravel!). I love this bike...it keeps me upright and is the right combination for commuting on various surfaces. Raleigh has really improved their line. Compared to other brands with similar equipment, I think it was a great value.

There are so many types of hybrid/cross bikes out there, I'm sure there is one that is perfect for you.

Right now I am commuting to work on a mountain bike, but am in the market to upgrade to a bike I can use as a commuter bike as well as to use on some gravle trails. I have been looking at Marin Hybrids and Cannondale (namely the Adventure & Road Warrior). I prefer the Cannondale b/c they are made in the US, but the Marin seems like a damn good bike. I also want a bike where I am bit more upright so I can see the car traffic, but I did like the Road Warrio - although that seems to be more like a road bike. Anyone have any thoughts out there? Appreciate it.

Where can you store bike ? Big issue when talking about what to buy. A Cannondale will be a bit of a magnet for thieves

coimata - well I am a fan of the Marin ALP line of flat bar road bikes. Very nie commuter. Here is my 2003 Mill Valley:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeej440/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dscn3488.jpg

There are a bunch of new 04 Marin ALPs on eBay right now in different models and sizes. This seller (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZvengineering) had Lucas Valleys, Mill Valleys and Highway Ones in a few sizes.

My only beef with the Marins is the low spoke count wheels...as you can see I have different wheels on mine than stock.

I commute on an '05 Cannondale Road Warrior 800. Love the bike. I also use it for fitness rides on the weekends. I don't take it off pavement though, so I can't comment on gravel trails, etc. Send me an e-mail if you have any detailed questions you'd like me to answer.